Malawi football community mourns Dean Pinto, laid to rest

Football Administrator Dean Pinto who passed away Saturday after succumbing to malaria and jaundice in Blantyre was laid to rest at his family’s grave and Mosque at Mbawi in Balaka.

Late Pinto once served as player, coach and team Manager for Mighty Be Forward Wanderers FC.

He was also made a remarkable mark in swimming, hockey and darts.

Pinto was Aquatic Union of Malawi president, secretary of HTD Blantyre Sports Club Darts Team.

He was born on 18 October 1961 in Ntcheu and survived by a wife and two daughters – Amara and Zara – both top swimmers.

“Sharaf Dean Pinto’s death is a shock to the family. We are devastated,” said his brother Nagrib.

Yasin Osman who coached Wanderers together with Pinto said it was “shocking death.”

Malawi netball superstar Mwawi Kumwenda paid tribute to Pinto, saying he  was  “a gentleman and a great advisor.”

Kumwenda who plays in New Zealand said Pinto’s passing is “a major loss to Malawi Sports.”

Football administrator and law scholar Sunduzwayo Madise  said he knew Pinto as a fearless midfielder for Wanderers and then had a great time working with him as coach for  now disbanded  ESCOM FC
“His analysis of football was second to none,” noted Madise.

“I remember an ever smiling Dean. Never saw him angry. Never saw him agitated. Fare thee well my brother Hamba kahle mfwethu!”

Limbani Magomero a former Wanderers official said Pinto  was “ loving, friendly and bubbly character .”